Tuta absoluta reported from Abruzzo, Liguria and Umbria regions, Italy
In Italy, the presence of Tuta absoluta (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae – EPPO A1 List) was first reported in spring 2008 in Calabria, and then in Campania, Lazio, Sardegna and Sicilia (EPPO RS 2009/023 and 2009/106). Its presence in 3 other regions of Italy has recently been officially reported.
- Abruzzo
The Regional Plant Protection Organization (PPO) of Abruzzo has detected an outbreak of T. absoluta in open field tomato crops (Lycopersicon esculentum) in the municipality of San Salvo (Province of Chieti).
- Liguria
During surveys carried out from May to July 2009, T. absoluta was found for the first time in Liguria region. The infestation was noted on glasshouse tomatoes (L. esculentum cv. ‘Cuore di Bue’) in the facilities of Ce.R.S.A.A, in the municipality of Albenga (Province of Savona). The presence of T. absoluta was notified to the regional PPO, and infested plants were destroyed according to the PPO’s recommendations. The presence of the pest is also suspected in the Province of Imperia according to observations made by local technicians but this still needs further confirmation.
- Umbria
The Regional PPO of Umbria has notified the presence of T. absoluta in several municipalities (Bettona, Castiglione del Lago, Deruta, Magione, Masciano, Pozzuolo) in the Province of Perugia. Adult specimens were caught on pheromone traps located in tomato crops intended for transformation.
The situation of Tuta absoluta in Italy can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2008, now reported from Abruzzo, Calabria, Campania, Lazio, Liguria, Sardegna, Sicilia, and Umbria, under official control.
Sources
Ce.R.S.A.A. Centro Regionale di Sperimentazione ed Assistenza Agricola Albenga (Savona Province), 2009-07.
NPPO of Italy, 2009-07.